What to do around Barmouth in a weekend?

jamfool

Hi there

Myself and the missus are staying in Barmouth Sat & Sun next week. We are both 30 and want to see a bit of wales. We only have a little car and will be driving up on Saturday from Bham.

What would you reccomend we see and do? So far im struggling for things but on my list so far as potentials are: Carnafon, swallow falls, snowdonrailway.

We dont want to be too busy, but dont want to get back and then have peope saying "oh you should have gone there, here ... it lovely"" etc etc.

What would be your top choices for us to go over those 2 days in or around the area? Spend a day where or take a day trip to somewhere? Or is Barmouth lovely enough to spend a whole day there?

Potentially to go somewhere on the way back too?

Thanks, on the googling ive tried so far, everyone suggests I come here and seek advice for you guys.

Cheers

Jamfoolio

lisyloo

Climbing snowdon has to be a suggestion.
If you are not feeling energetic then there is a train that goes up.
At certain times of the year it only goes halfway, but still worthwhile.

There are plenty of railways.
We went on the FFestiniog I think.
One things we noticed is that things are expensive in the UK.
When we got abroad we spend virtually nothing on visits but in the UK is was about £17 each for a train.

Another place that we liked was Beddgelert (might not be right spelling).
There is a legend attached but if the weather is nice the village is nice for a stroll.

jamfool

Thanks!

How difficult is the walk and how long does it take, before the summit or a decent view? Indeed is the summit even open to trains - as I know the visitor centre isnt finished yet.

Been doing some more digging around. Porthmadog seems nice so a trip on the ffestiniofg railway seems like an option as maybe a trip to portmeiron

And yes I looked at Beddgelert too, that is nice. Ohh there is soo much to do and so little time!

There also seems to be plently to see and do in Llanberis so a trip here is a definite as we can then walk/rail to the summit. Depending on what you guys say, as im not in the peakest of conditions. I could handle a hike for 3-4 hours but if its nearly vertical over rocky terrain - then ill probably get the train!

jamfool

This Ffestiniog railway to looking more and more like a good option.

Is this somethig you go on for the whole day and get off at all the stops etc and then return later in the afternoon?

how would you reccomend i fit this into a day practically? Get the 10:15 from Prothmadog then spend the day going about and on and off. then get the last train back from Ffestiiog at 17.35pm. dinner in Porthmadog? Is there enough to see and do for a whole day - or rather half ay then go somewhere else?

EDIT: Also anyone knwo if the 1st class option on this railway is worth it:
First Class Travel
Travel in luxury in the Observation Carriage or other First Class seats for an additional charge of £4.00 single or £8.00 return per person. (Concession £3.60 single or £7.20 return)

lisyloo

We went here to eat

http://www.bistro-barmouth.co.uk/index.htm

It was very nice, but the price was what you'd expect to pay in a good restaurant
e.g. £10 main course.

So I would recommend it as long as you aren't on a tight budget.
But make sure you book ahead if you want to go on a Friday or Saturday night as it's quite small and quite popular.

Furpurse

My wife and I booked a hotel in Barmouth for a weekend but left after 1 night it was so bad.
The place reminds me of a minature Blackpool. It should be the new location for "Shameless".
The drive into the town has some fantastic scenery, but dont be fooled by this.
We still laugh about it 3 years on.

About 7 miles up the coast is Harlech which is lovely. A further 15 miles or so up the coast is Criccieth which was beautiful.

lisyloo

We thought it was very nice but it is a little like a mini Blackpool.

In fact I was at Blackpool at the weekend, dancing with my mates - Anton, Erin, Vincent, Flavia and Karen (shameless name dropping).

If you have a problem with that sort of seaside resort, then maybe it won't be your cup of tea, but we quite liked it.

Fidget

If Barmouth isn't your cup of tea there are plenty of gorgeous places around there like Harlech and Porthmadog. There is a great pub in Mwantwrog near Harlech called the Grapes which is good for real ale and food. There's the Ardudwy Theatre in Harlech and if you go up to the village (in Harlech) there is the Plas Cafe which does great jam and cream scones and you can sit out and look over the sea. Hth x

Fidget

Ooh oh I've just remembered there's Portmerion in Porthmadog which is lovely even if you aren't interested that the series "Prisoner" was filmed there. Don't know how much it is to get in but it's a nice day out.

BillScarab

Rather than climb Snowdon go up Cader idris, it's a lot closer to Barmouth. But only walk up either if you know what you are doing and have the right kit.

You could always stroll across the old railway bridge to Fairbourne. If the weather's rubbish you could always drive up tot he slate mines at Blaenau Ffestiniog.

There's also the centre for alternative technology near Machynlleth.You get a discount for travelling by train but it would be more fun to turn up in a huge, petrol 4x4.

alanwjones

Caernarfon- Castle, Llanberis- Power Station, Lake Railway, Slate Museum, eat at Petes Eats in Llanberis itself, Very Cheap and massive portions, = A good day out.